The Greatest Anime Series From Every Year of the 2000s
Anime is more popular than ever, booming in 2019 with Demon Slayer and only getting better with shows such as Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren: Beyond Journeys’ End. However, while the 2010s and 2020s have seen a massive increase in anime popularity and quality, the 2000s marked a significant shift that combined the nostalgic hand-drawn feel with a modern storytelling approach.
Every year of the 2000s was spectacular for anime, which is why this list will cover every year, from 2000 to 2009, and highlight the best from each year. The anime will be decided based on popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, writing, animation, and how well it represents the 2000s. This list highlights the best anime of the year, including sequel seasons such as Clannad: After Story.
‘FLCL’ (2000)
This may be a controversial pick, considering Hajime no Ippo, which most fans think is the best anime of 2000, also came out this year. FLCL is a coming-of-age sci-fi series that follows Naota, a young boy whose world flips upside down when Haruko enters his life. Little does he know that she plans on using him to summon her interdimensional lover.
FLCL or Hajime no Ippo are both excellent choices for the best anime of 2000, but the former takes this matchup because it is more original, distinct, and closely related to this decade. It uses a bizarre plot and wacky moments to create an oddly relatable story of growing up. No anime is as special as FLCL, and this weirdness made it one of the greatest anime series of the decade.
‘Shaman King’ (2001–2002)
2001 wasn’t the greatest year of anime, with the top contenders being Baki the Grappler and Shaman King, with the latter barely taking this spot. Shaman King is about a tournament between dozens of spiritual power users, all competing against each other to become the titular shaman who can shape the world to their own image.
Even if 2001 didn’t have a certified classic, Shaman King is distinctly a product of the 2000s, from its aesthetic to its art, music, animation, and narrative structure and tropes. Shaman King is a fun and entertaining shounen series, dazzling fans with its unique power system and nostalgic style, which made it the best anime of 2001.
‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)
Out of all the anime that came out in the 2000s, none is more popular than Naruto, which is still a face of the medium. The titular ninja may be a punk, but he has big dreams of becoming Hokage. However, he must face the odds and the powerful ninja who want what is inside of him.
2002 had other magnificent anime such as Azumanga Daioh and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, but Naruto is the obvious answer. Its ninja world, endearing characters, motivational themes, and top-tier fights are a staple of the medium. Naruto is more than iconic, and because of that, it is the best anime of 2002, hands down.
‘Planetes’ (2003–2004)
Yukimura Makoto is best known for his revolutionary series, Vinland Saga, which recently concluded. However, one of his earlier manga got an anime before that. Planetes follow a group of space debris cleaners who keep the galaxy tidy. But this isolating and lonely job comes with its struggles, as it highlights each character’s life and flaws.
This short series made a large impression on fans, highlighting gorgeous scenery with profound and personal stories. Each character has their own goal, flaws, and personality that really shine through each interaction and development. 2003 wasn’t the best year of the 2000s, but Planetes brightens an otherwise dull year with its magnificent story and characters, becoming one of the most underrated anime of all time.
‘Monster’ (2004–2005)
Naoki Urasawa is a legendary author with some of the greatest series under his belt, including Pluto and 20th Century Boys. However, his magnum opus is Monster, a dark mystery crime thriller. When Dr. Tenma saves a young boy instead of the mayor, that same child grows up to become a serial killer. Tenma must take matters into his own hands, but will Johan’s dark past change anything?
After a lackluster 2003, 2004 makes up for it with a stacked year, featuring notable series such as Paranoia Agent, Samurai Champloo, and Beck. However, Monster is easily the best of the year, if not of all time. This anime gained renown for its flawless story, perfect mystery, compelling characters, and timeless ending. It is no stretch to say that Monster is the best anime of the 2000s, but it is certainly the best of 2004.
‘Mushi-Shi’ (2005–2014)
After a monster year in 2004, 2005 takes things easy with only a couple of instant classics, such as Mushi-Shi and Paradise Kiss. The former takes the spot of best anime of 2005, following Ginko, a traveling researcher who investigates the mysterious creatures known as Mushi. These bug-like spirits cause problems wherever they are, but there is still much to learn about them.
The iyashikei genre has never been particularly popular, but Mushi-Shi is by far the best, utilizing its atmospheric setting and poetic style to evoke a melancholic feeling. However, Mushi-Shi is more than a vibe; it also portrays deep plots and meaningful messages with every episode. It is never the same, yet it always remains the same —a unique balance that the show has perfected, making Mushi-Shi an anime for true fans.
‘Gintama’ (2006–2021)
Battle shounen shows are, for the most part, repetitive and predictable; Gintama, on the other hand, proves to be the variety that shounen fans needed. This show earns the title of best anime of 2006, following Gintoki and his crew of two as they tackle odd jobs in an advanced alternate reality where aliens took over Kyoto in the past.
Gintama is infamous for teasing an ending, but never actually concluding, and it does so again as a spinoff set to release in October 2025. However, this list only ranks the original anime, which remains the best in a powerhouse year that included Death Note, Code Geass, Nana, Hellsing Ultimate, Black Lagoon, and Welcome to the NHK. Gintama is hilarious, dramatic, tragic, action-packed, riveting, and entertaining all at the same time, proving its versatility made it one of the greatest anime ever.
‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007)
After one great year, another excellent year of anime follows, this time featuring strong contenders such as Naruto Shippuden, Mononoke, Kaiji, and Gurren Lagann. Choosing the best was tough, but as Shippuden is a sequel, Gurren Lagann is arguably the greatest. Simon and Kamina unearth an ancient mech, using its power to free the galaxy and create a home for themselves.
Gurren Lagann has virtually zero haters, being a universally beloved anime from the 2000s that dials everything up to eleven. The excitement, hype, and action know no bounds, drilling through its limits to create one of the most riveting series ever. It may be over-the-top, but that is part of Gurren Lagann‘s charm.
‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ Season 2 (2008)
Natsume’s Book of Friends may be the best new anime from 2008, but it doesn’t compare to two strong second seasons, including Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Season 2 and Clannad: After Story. Fans can go with either option, but as an action series, more critics and viewers prefer Code Geass. When Lelouch gains the ability to control others, he plans to use it to free Japan and exact his own vengeance.
The first season was great, but the second season was flawless, easily becoming a contender for anime of the decade. Code Geass dialed up the story, delivering fantastic twists, developments, and creative moments. Not to mention it has the best ending in anime, making it a clear winner for the best of 2008.
The end of a decade usually signals the beginning of another strong one, but in the case of the 2000s, it saved the best for last. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows Ed and Al, who pursue the philosopher’s stone after a taboo experiment left them without parts or all of their bodies. However, in search for the elusive stone, they uncover a government conspiracy that they must stop.
Bakemonogatari is an excellent anime, but it is no Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which many fans claim is the greatest anime of all time. From its story to its action, characters, comedy, fights, drama, mystery, world-building, animation, and moments, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece that highlights the end of a phenomenal decade with one of the best anime ever.
